Ten Things to Know for the Week of Nov. 4-8

November 09, 2013 09:01 am

Looking back at the stories to remember from this week:

1. OBAMA APOLOGIZES TO THOSE LOSING HEALTH CARE COVERAGE BECAUSE OF NEW LAW

Bowing to intense criticism, he pledged to find fixes that might allow people to keep their coverage. The apology comes as the White House tries to combat a cascade of troubles surrounding the rollout of the law.

2. OUSTED EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN MONTHS AS TRIAL BEGINS

In a raucous courtroom, Mohammed Morsi questioned the legitimacy of the judge and constantly interrupted him as the deposed leader faced charges of inciting violence. The session was adjuourned until Jan. 8.

3. TWEET THIS: TWITTER MAKES A SIZZLING DEBUT

Shares went on sale to the public for the first time, instantly leaping more than 70 percent above their offering price. The social network that reinvented global communication in 140-character bursts was valued at $31 billion.

4. FDA ORDERS PHASEOUT OF ARTIFICIAL TRANS FATS

Manufacturers have eliminated many of the artery-clogging trans fats, which are used in processed food and in restaurants. The average American still eats about a gram a day of them, and the FDA estimates the ban could prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths each year.

5. INDIA LAUNCHES A SPACECRAFT TO MARS

The country hopes the $72 million mission will showcase its technological ability to explore the solar system while seeking solutions for problems on Earth.

6. GOP'S CHRIS CHRISTIE CRUISES TO RE-ELECTION AS NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR

In other off-year results, Democrat Terry McAuliffe narrowly won the Virginia governor's race, Bill de Blasio was chosen as the first Democratic New York mayor since 1989, and Alabama Republicans chose the establishment-backed Bradley Byrne over a tea party-supported rival in a special congressional runoff.

Rob Ford initially insisted that video of him smoking crack did not exist but was forced to backtrack after police said they obtained a copy of the tape in which he appears to be doing so. Authorities say the video does not constitute enough evidence to charge him with a crime.

8. MORE THAN 1,400 ARTWORKS FOUND IN A MUNICH APARTMENT

Details of the trove of paintings, drawings and other creations — including previously unknown works by Matisse and Chagall — have not been made public. It has sparked a clamor for information from museums, lawyers and others seeking to recover art looted in the Nazi era.

9. CHEF CHARLIE TROTTER DIES AT AGE 54

The Chicago restaurateur was synonymous with cutting-edge cuisine. He earned 10 James Beard Awards, wrote 10 cookbooks and in 1999 hosted his own public TV series, "The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter."

10. NFL INVESTIGATES ALLEGED HARASSMENT ON MIAMI DOLPHINS

Guard Richie Incognito, who is white, was suspended after allegations that he sent text messages that are said to be racist and threatening to biracial teammate Jonathan Martin, a tackle who has left the team for emotional counseling. The scandal started a debate about harassment, bullying, locker-room culture and workplace conduct.